Three Things To Look Out For This Weekend In Scottish Football

How will Kilmarnock cope without Coulibaly?

Kilmarnock were well within their right to accept a £800,000 bid from Egyptian champions Al-Ahly, but with the club 3 points above the relegation play-off and 4 off the bottom, the long-term ramifications could be far more costly.

The Ivorian striker had bagged 11 of 26 goals by Lee Clark’s side so far, and given the paucity of depth at the club, his ability to produce something out of nothing could end up looking a priceless commodity come the season end.

2. Will Motherwell learn from the mistakes and avenge Rangers cup defeat?

Motherwell host Rangers in a reverse of last weekend’s Scottish Cup clash on Sunday, a game in which Kenny Miller’s late rescue act left the Steelmen’s gaffer Mark McGhee speechless.

While Rangers dominated possession for long spells on Saturday, Motherwell kept them at arm’s length for much of the affair and carved the home side open with ease to open the scoring. Had it not been for the combination of Kenny Miller donning his Superman cape and Stephen McManus opting for a Joker guise, Motherwell would have at least forced a replay.

Rangers blushes were spared, but Motherwell were able to find the same chinks in the armour a host of SPFL clubs have exposed this season before the late collapse. It is likely to be a tight affair at Fir Park once more, meaning another superhero could well be needed to decide which side leaves with the spoils.

After a string of impressive performances for Inverness, Christie was tipped for stardom as 2015 came to a close and featured in 2016’s ‘In Bed With Maradona 100’ – an annual list of the 100 best young players across the globe to look out for.

It’s been a very long time since we saw a young player in Scotland as composed and influential as Ryan Christie. His ability to beat a man and make passes around corners have really made the boy from Inverness stand out. (In Bed With Maradona)

While such eulogies look somewhat out of place now, given Christie’s first year at Celtic largely comprised of long spells on the bench interspersed with unconvincing cameos, the Highlander has the talent and attidude to fulfill the promise.

To do so however and take the next step in his career, regular football and consistency of performance will become key. With Aberdeen’s move to retain James Maddison on loan knocked back by struggling Norwich, the coveted no.10 role a player of Christie’s ilk craves is currently up for grabs at Pittodrie. It’s down to the 21-year-old to step forward now and grab it.